High-Stakes Peace Talks Commence in Florida
A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in the United States for critical peace talks with senior American figures, including Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff. The meeting, scheduled for Sunday in Florida, represents a significant diplomatic effort to forge a path towards ending Russia's war against Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the delegation's departure on Saturday, announcing that the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, was already en route.
Notably, the talks will also include the presence of Jared Kushner, former President Trump's son-in-law. This development occurs amidst reports that Witkoff plans to travel to Moscow the following week, a move that echoes Donald Trump's stated intention to send an envoy to meet with Vladimir Putin.
Escalating Military and Diplomatic Pressure
The diplomatic manoeuvres unfold against a backdrop of continued violence and strategic strikes. In a significant escalation, Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea on Saturday. The vessels, identified as the Kairos and the Virat, were empty and heading towards the major Russian oil terminal at Novorossiysk when they were hit.
This attack marks a shift in tactics for Ukraine, which has previously focused on using long-range aerial drones to target Russian oil refineries. Kyiv has repeatedly urged Western nations to take action against Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which it accuses of enabling Moscow to export vast quantities of oil to finance its military campaign.
Meanwhile, the civilian population in Ukraine endured another deadly assault. A massive Russian drone and missile attack killed six people and wounded dozens more. The assault involved nearly 600 drones and 36 rockets, cutting power to at least half a million residents in one western city. Emergency crews have since restored electricity to over 400,000 households.
International Response and Forthcoming Sanctions
The international community is responding with increased pressure on Moscow. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host President Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday for discussions focused on establishing a "just and lasting peace." The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, issued a stark warning to the Kremlin, stating that Vladimir Putin must accept a ceasefire or face new sanctions designed to "exhaust its economy."
Barrot emphasised that peace is within reach, but only if Putin abandons his "delusional hope" of reconstituting the Soviet empire. The meeting in Paris is expected to coordinate European support for Ukraine and outline the framework for potential new economic measures against Russia.
The situation also caused regional disruptions, with Moldova closing its airspace for over an hour due to unauthorised drone incursions. The Moldovan president condemned the violation, accusing Russia of using its territory to launch attacks on Ukraine.
